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Post by Mark on Jan 19, 2008 22:44:07 GMT -5
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Post by davidruble on Apr 11, 2008 17:23:11 GMT -5
I joined the ABWA about 4 years ago, through a very helpful member, Larry Fedler. However, I have been wondering for some time if it would be wiser for all of us to join forces? I know very little about "why" we have two organizations, and quite frankly don't care. What I do care about, is getting the best public relations for our animals. Any comments?
Dave Ruble
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Post by Sherry on Apr 11, 2008 23:12:55 GMT -5
Unfortunately, I know how politics can go, as most of us can, but I agree, I believe what is best for the breed is what the main concern of the associations should be. I know it is frustrating that in one registry, one of my cows are only 50%, but in the other, pure. Good question Dave. I am curious to see others opinions on this matter.
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Post by gregpowell on Apr 12, 2008 12:17:41 GMT -5
I have been a member of the ABWPA for 4 years and have found all of the members to be very helpful and interested in promoting the breed. Most of whom I have talked with agree that we would be best served if there was only one association. Having two associations makes things confusing when talking with others about the breed and shows an obvious split between breeders. I am for everyone putting their differences aside and forming one association dedicated to breed promotion. The golden question becomes how do we unite these associations and move the breed forward with a minimum of negativity?
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Post by gwenger on Apr 15, 2008 8:59:40 GMT -5
I was President of the ABWPA for several years and it was an enjoyable time. There is a long history to the two associations that pre-dates me. I know there was an effort to unite the associations a number of years ago, that is when the WPCA (White Park Cattle Association) became the ABWPA (American British White Park Association). Why the associations never fully integrated I don't know.
The biggest difference that I am aware of in the two associations rules is the one that Sherry eluded to in her post which is the one association recognizes 15/16 bulls as pure and the other recognizes 7/8 bulls as pure.
While I was President I was focused on doing the best job we could promoting the breed through shows, displays, an annual membership meeting in conjunction with our National Show and regular communications through our White Cattle Journal.
One of our members started an annual feeder sale in IL a few years ago and the sale has developed to the point that the white calves are bringing a small premium to black cattle at the sale barn. Now that is a job well done. Endorsed by the association but member driven.
Last year another of our members started a heifer give away to a junior member that shows at one of the associations 3 shows held each year. What a great idea to get our youth involved. I believe the 3 shows are open to members of both associations. Again promoted by the association but member driven.
Look at what Sherry and Mark have done by starting this forum, this will have a very positive impact on White Cattle. I applaud the fact that it is open to all who are interested in these great cattle.
I find I am to busy and life is to short for me to get to involved in the past and I just try to do the best job that I can with the cards that are dealt, after all when I go to my pasture and see the new calves running around they never seem to care what association they will be registered with and frankly I don't want that thought to steal one moment of my joy in watching them.
Maybe one day the solution will be found and if I can help I am open to the idea but in the mean time I think (to para-phrase a famous quote) ask not what your association can do for you but rather ask what you can do for your association. Pick an association and support it with your hard work or support both but remember people make good things happen.
These are just the ramblings of a Pennsylvania cattleman who wants to be friends with all White Cattle breeders.
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Post by Sherry on Apr 15, 2008 13:25:27 GMT -5
Glenn, I agree. I believe we all fell in love with the breeds, not the associations, which is why we have these cattle now. It is nothing against either association, don't know what happened in the past. I just enjoy my girls and boys and like talking with others with the same passion I have.
Sherry
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Post by larry on May 30, 2008 9:02:34 GMT -5
I have to agree with Glenn, member involvement makes the association work. I was a rookie board member of the old WPCAA at the time of the "blowup" and the start of the BWCAA. The reasons for it, at this point in time, really don't matter much. The real task is to get everyone working for the same goal. For some reason unknown to me, the BWCAA voted down the merger idea. From everything I have heard, most members of both Associations would like to have just one governing body to deal with. United we could do so much more. As a gesture toward that end, the ABWPA has opened all three of it's major shows to members of either group. You only have to be a member of and have your animals registered in either association. A couple of years ago, the Hansen family had Reserve Grand Champion bull at the World Beef Expo and they are members of BWCAA. Another example is this bulletin board. Thanks to Sherry and Mark, we now have members of both associations talking and working together. It was the work of members that made this happen, not a Board of Director's.
When Glenn was President he made it clear that we (ABWPA) were open to uniting but were not going to waste our time chasing that goal. We spent the better part of three years trying everything we knew to make a merger happen but it fell apart. Now all of our efforts are being focused on promoting the breed in all events that we can manage. It really seems to be paying off. Over the years, two shows were added to the Quincy show and the folks on the East Coast have enthusiastically promoted beyond our wildest dreams. From Maine to Florida and all points in between, sales and displays of cattle have been great. More shows are being planned for this year to promote the breed and to eventually be included in the Free Heifer Giveaway program.
Things have never looked better for our breed of cattle! Larry
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Post by davidruble on Jun 5, 2008 18:19:16 GMT -5
I have done a bit of research as to the why's. Now I am even less impressed! Larry hit the nail on the head....we could do a LOT more together. Another quote that may be appropriate..."united we stand, divided we fall..."
When it takes 10 minutes for me to explain this to those brag to, it has the full effect of deflating the moment. It makes us sound like a bunch of 6 graders. As soon as I post this, I am going to write an email, cc'ed to both current presidents.
I guess I don't consider it a waste of time.
David Ruble
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Post by sklabnik on Apr 1, 2009 20:45:05 GMT -5
Glenn,
I was alerted to the revised web site by my daughter. Looks good!
Steve
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Post by gwenger on Apr 15, 2009 15:15:36 GMT -5
Steve.............. you remind me that I should be telling everyone that the American British White Park Association has a new look to it's web site. Please visit www.whitecattle.org and let us know what you think. Thanks, Glenn
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Post by larry on Dec 30, 2009 20:56:36 GMT -5
The ABWPA is having it's winter Board Meeting on January 23, 2010. This meeting is usually quite busy as most of the years activities are discussed. If you have a topic that you believe the board should address, please let us know so that we can consider it.
Larry
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Post by larry on Jun 9, 2010 6:31:29 GMT -5
The ABWPA Board of Director's is looking for candidates to replace 2 members that have reached term limits. Each year 3 directors are elected at the Annual Membership Meeting, this year held in September. If you would like to run, you only have to be an active member and own registered cattle. Call the office or any board member to be considered.
Larry
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Post by larry on Jan 17, 2011 20:25:22 GMT -5
The ABWPA will hold it's Board of Director's winter meeting Saturday January 22. It will be held in Bowling Green, KY at 9:30 AM. If you wish to attend or have topics that you think the Board should discuss, contact the office or any of the Board members.
Larry
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